Everton ready to foil Arsenal’s Ben White party
Everton are trying to put an end to Arsenal’s pursuit of Ben White, according to English news outlet DailyMail.
The Toffees are believed to have acted fast in approaching the Brighton and Hove Albion defender after Rafa Benitez was confirmed as the manager at Goodison Park.
The report further suggested that Everton have held talks with The Seagulls over a £50million transfer for the defender, who is currently involved in the European Championships for England, with £5m available to the south coast club in add-ons, a package that trumps the one offered by Arsenal last week.
The Gunners looked to have won the race for White
The Southeastern club has already rejected two bids from Arsenal, with the first package believed to be £40 million + 5 in add ons. While the second one was closer to Brighton’s valuation at £45 million + 5.
However, Everton are happy to offer the Seagulls are guaranteed fee of £50 (5m on add ons), an offer which can conclude the deal in coming weeks.
After Arsenal realized that signing Sevilla’s Jules Kounde and Bayer Leverkusen’s Edmon Tapsoba would not be viable in this transfer window, they moved in quickly for White.
There was confidence between both the camps that the deal can be reached. Nonetheless, the Gunners could pay for acting slow in getting the deal over the line, with Everton showing serious interest.
Some Arsenal fans have made their feelings heard
That will be a blow to Arsenal, even though they are close to agreeing a deal for Benfica’s Nuno Tavares and Anderlecht’s Albert Sambi Lokonga.
In the reported “summer overhaul” Arsenal are yet to sign a player and have offloaded just one in Dinos Mavrapanos. The wheel needs to start moving if the Gunners want to achieve their summer targets.
The Everton news might have come out from the Brighton’s camp, who might be looking to tempt Arsenal into paying more for their coveted defender.
Things are expected to get clearer today. Let’s see what happens.
Yash Bisht